Taliban attack on Dehna Ghori pushed back: Baghlan governor

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): The governor on Wednesday said a Taliban attack on the Dehna Ghori district has been repulsed, but the rebels claimed capturing five military bases in the district.

Governor Abdul Sattar Barez told Pajhwok Afghan News the Taliban staged attacks on the district from various directions, but they met strong resistance from security forces and were pushed back.

“Commando forces have reached the district to assist other security forces and a clash between security forces and insurgents in underway in areas surrounding the district centre,” the governor said.

He said the rebels not only achieved nothing in their attacks, but also sustained heavy casualties, but provided no figures.

But residents of Dehna Ghori district said the Taliban captured several bases of government forces, but had not entered the district centre.

A tribal elder Haji Khayal Jan said: “Taliban and civilians suffered most of casualties in the clash and residents are trapped in their homes. People will not come out of their homes until the situation improves.” He said commando forces had reached the district and people were happy with their arrival.

A Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the fighters had captured five military bases in Dehna Ghori and 20 security men had surrendered to them. He said the security forces also suffered casualties and the clash was still ongoing.

Dehna Ghori district, is 30 km from Pul-i-Khumri, the provincial capital and all roads connecting the town with the provincial capital have been closed by the rebels over the past six months.